Molestation of a Child Attorney in Chandler, AZ
An accusation of child molestation is incredibly serious and terrifying. Conviction can impact your immediate freedoms, your social and professional reputation, and affect you for the rest of your life. Sex offenses involving children are harshly investigated and prosecuted, and law enforcement may make an arrest even when there is minimal evidence. If you are facing accusations, you need a Chandler molestation of a child lawyer to work on a defense strategy.
For a free legal consultation with a child molestation defense lawyer serving Chandler, call 480-400-5555
Work With a Dedicated Chandler Criminal Defense Lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group
At Grand Canyon Law Group, we fight tirelessly for your future and your freedom. We understand the damage these charges can do to your reputation, your family, your employment, and many other aspects of your life. Connect with a Chandler criminal defense lawyer for help.
Our attorneys do not push you towards unfavorable plea deals but instead defend your rights. With decades of legal experience in criminal cases, our firm possesses the resources necessary to support you.
It can be terrifying to navigate the criminal justice system, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Our attorneys can guide you through each step of the process with honest and compassionate legal advice. We have experience in local courts throughout the counties we serve, including experience with the Criminal Department of the Maricopa County Superior Court, with locations throughout Phoenix. Our goal is to avoid or minimize the consequences of conviction.
Chandler Child Molestation Defense Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
Child Molestation Charges in Chandler
The offense of molestation of a child is the offense of intentionally engaging in or causing an individual to engage in sexual contact with a child who is younger than 15.
The Child Welfare League of America reported that 7.8 per 1,000 children were victims of maltreatment in 2022, including abuse and neglect. 5.8% of child maltreatment victims in Arizona were victims of sex abuse in 2023, according to the Administration for Children and Families.
If you are facing a charge for such a serious offense, it is essential that you get a strong legal defense that is dedicated to fighting for the ideal outcome. When you hire a child molestation of a child lawyer, they can help you understand the possible penalties and your options for legal defense.
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What Are the Penalties for Molestation of a Child?
Child molestation is charged as a class 2 felony. However, it is categorized as a dangerous crime against children, which means the imprisonment penalties are much higher than a typical class 2 felony. Felony convictions also come with a fine of up to $150,000.
For individuals who are 18 or older and convicted of molestation of a child, the presumptive imprisonment term is 17 years. The minimum term is 10 years and the maximum is 24 years. If the offense is preceded by a felony conviction that is related to child molestation or allowed the molestation to occur, then the imprisonment term ranges from 21 to 35 years.
When you are convicted of this offense, you are also required to register as a sex offender for life. This carries several restrictions on where you can go or live and also has several notice requirements that inform your community of your status as a sex offender.
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What Defenses Are Available for Child Molestation Charges?
There may be several defense strategies for charges of molestation of a child, depending on the circumstances. Some include:
- Challenging forensic evidence
- Arguing the lack of DNA and forensic evidence
- Assessing the police procedure when interviewing minors and potential flaws
- Arguing a mistaken identity
- Demonstrating that the allegations are false or were coerced
- Showing proof of constitutional violations by law enforcement
When you hire a molestation of a child lawyer, they can review the facts of your arrest, the specific charges against you, and the case the prosecution has. They can determine the defense that uses the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This could help limit your criminal penalties or avoid conviction.
FAQs About Molestation of a Child in Chandler, AZ
What Are the Rules for Sex Offenders in Chandler?
Sex offenders must register in Chandler for a minimum of ten years, but usually for life, while following many registration requirements. This includes reporting whether they are a student or employed at a postsecondary institution, providing notice of a change of residence or name, disclosing information about online identification, and providing details about their vehicle.
There is also a required community notice to be given to nearby neighborhoods, school districts, and other organizations. There may be other restrictions, as well.
What Are the Sex Offense Against Children Laws in Chandler?
There are several laws in Chandler for sex offenses against children. This includes continuous sexual abuse of a child, child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor, and sexual assault when the victim is younger than 15. These charges are all felonies. Some of the more severe offenses, like sexual conduct with a minor who is 12 or younger and causing serious injury, is a felony punishable by life in prison.
What Are the Tiers of Sex Offenders in Chandler?
There are three tiers of sex offenders in Chandler for the purposes of community notification, and these tiers determine the threat level an individual poses to the community. There is a risk assessment for a sex offender’s release from jail or prison that evaluates the future behavior of the offender. A level 1 offender is an individual who has been convicted of a dangerous crime against children, while level 2 and level 3 offenders have a lower risk assessment.
Can a Level 1 Sex Offender Get Off the Registry in Chandler?
There may be some cases where a level 1 sex offender can get off the registry, but it is less likely. Level 1 sex offenders are those who committed dangerous crimes against children, and one of the requirements of removal from the registry is that the victim was 15 or older. There are other requirements, such as the presence of only one victim of the offense. Committing certain offenses prevents you from being removed from the registry.
Working With an Experienced Chandler Child Molestation Attorney
These are extremely serious cases that require careful and sensitive handling. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we know how to navigate these cases and how to bring you exceptional legal advocacy. It is crucial to act promptly to safeguard your reputation and freedom. Contact our firm today to learn how we can assist you.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form